Get set for 7 days on the road and the ultimate caravan adventure

Cobb & Co Museum, Toowoomba

Day 1: Brisbane to Toowoomba, 125km

Think fresh pastries, museums, a bike ride through the beautiful garden city before finishing the day with cocktails and a cosy campsite.

Morning

Buckle up and hit the road travelling just under two hours from Brisbane to Toowoomba.

Grab brunch and coffee at The Baker’s Duck an artisan bakery crafting world-class croissants, hand-crafted pastries, sourdough bread, and delicious coffee. Try their savoury goodies (think: quiche, pork, sage and apple sausage rolls, and pies) or if you’ve got a sweet craving, grab an almond croissant or their best-selling strawberry cheesecake danish.

Sit and savour, or grab your coffee to go and stretch your legs with a wander through Queens Park. Wind your way through the Botanic Gardens full of seasonal plants, geometric-shaped gardens and blooms starring every colour of the rainbow.

Afternoon

Just a short walk from Queens Park is the Cobb + Co Museum, home to the National Carriage Collection. Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural history of Toowoomba and discover a

variety of interactive displays, exhibits, and heritage trade workshops, including silversmithing, blacksmithing, leather plaiting and furniture making.

Keep the history lessons rolling with a trip to DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum. Enjoy a guided tour learning more about the history of the locomotive industry from past to present or explore at your own pace. Be sure to explore the Dreamtime Journey Coach as its paintings depict the Aboriginal theme based on ‘Baiami’ who created the earth and all the wonderful landscapes, mountains, lakes, rivers, billabongs, oceans and islands.

Alternatively, hire an e-bike from Bikeline and navigate your way through the city of Toowoomba with assisted pedal power, exploring the many parks and gardens with ease.

For dinner, make a booking and taste the flavours of the Middle East at Sofra Turkish, serving an authentic Turkish menu with an exotic blend of oils, herbs and spices. Alternatively, dine at Toowoomba’s most iconic hotel - Fitzy’s, pouring beer for over 20 years. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance to book a table at one of the three dining venues; Fitzy’s on Church Restaurant, The Tapestry Bar for cocktails and live music, or the Atrium filled with lush plants and plenty of light.

Overnight

Park your caravan at BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park, or book a unit sleeping two to 10 people. Ideal for couples, groups or families the holiday park has a spa, pool, BBQ area and plenty of kids activities.

For accommodation a little further out, Windy Acres Farm in Westbrook makes for a restful place to park the caravan, RV, or pitch a tent on the working lavender and bee farm. Sites for self-sufficient campers are set close to the natural waterway under the gum trees, gifting sunset views over Bunker’s Hill.

Laneway Street Art, Toowoomba

Day 2: Toowoomba

Ensure you’re sufficiently caffeinated before a day spent hiking mountains in search of breathtaking views, before stepping it out along Toowoomba’s art trail and finally celebrating a day of art and culture with dinner and a show.

Morning

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and good coffee at one of the many local cafés, taking advantage of the growing urban coffee culture, quickly becoming a drawcard for the city.

If you’re up for a challenging hike to work off your brekky, head to Table Top Mountain located on the edge of Toowoomba, gifting views of the Lockyer Valley. The climb to the top is steep and recommended for prepared hikers. Beginning at the base of the mountain – the Camel’s Hump, the circuit around the mountain, takes one and a half hours to complete.

For those who would rather scenic views without the scramble, take the RV-friendly drive to Picnic Point. Located 700m above sea level, the lookout delivers panoramic views of the Great Dividing Range, overlooking Main Range and the Lockyer Valley.

Bring your own snacks and a rug and settle down for a picnic among the view, or head to Picnic Point Café for morning tea and a coffee.

Afternoon

Weave your way through Toowoomba by foot, following the Street Art Trail with over 50 murals down Neil Street and plenty more down laneways, café and building walls painted by local artists. Continue on for an architectural fix down the Russell Street Historical Walk, leading you past historical landmarks and architecture dating back to the 1860s.

Spend your evening embracing the arts at the heritage-listed art deco Empire Theatre. Book a pre or post show dinner at Encores. Originally built in 1911 the Empire Theatre has been the entertainment hub of Toowoomba for over 100 years and is the largest performing arts precinct in regional Australia.

Overnight

Spend the night at BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park or Windy Acres Farm.

Crows Nest National Park, Toowoomba Region

Day 3: Toowoomba to Crows Nest, 44km

Set your GPS to Crows Nest and soak in the lush terrain of Crows Nest National Park and cascading waterfalls. Loop in some shopping (hello retail therapy!) and watch the sun set on another day with a delicious glass of vino in hand.

Morning

From Toowoomba, hit the road and head to Nolan’s Block emporium for a bite to eat and browse the local stores. Built in 1916 the restored historical building is now a vibrant shopping and foodie destination.

Learn more about the heritage of Crows Nest and let the Crows Nest Museum and Historical Village transport you back in time to when things moved at a much slower pace. Take a self-guided tour among the museum's 21 buildings that make up the village each with interactive displays - you can even dress in costume ready for class at The Old School House.

Afternoon

Breathe in the fresh air of the great outdoors with an escape to Crows Nest National Park. Take to one of the many walking tracks and loops around the national park exploring Crows Nest Falls, the Valley of Diamonds and Koonin Lookout for the best views.

Crows Nest Creek flows through the eucalypt forest before the falls plunge 20m into the waterhole below surrounded by steep, granite cliffs. A haven for native birds, animals and seasonal wildflowers, you’ll have a camera roll full of images by the time you’re ready to leave.

End the day with a delicious pub feed at The Grand Old Crow or switch your hiking bottle for a wine glass at Rosalie House Cellar Door Restaurant and watch the sunset over the vines across the Lilyvale Valley. Alternatively, enjoy the bustling foodie scene of Nolan’s Block by night and enjoy the French Bistro and European cuisine of Myrtille - with a cocktail in hand of course!

Overnight:

Spend the night bush camping in the open eucalypt woodlands of Crow’s Nest National Park (camping permits required) or secure a site, cabin or cottage at Crows Nest Tourist and Caravan Park, a fantastic pet-friendly option.

Option to stay longer: Spend more time and savour the flavours of the region at Pechey Distilling Co., a homestead tucked away in the High Country Hamlets, handcrafting spirits infused with Australian flavours.

Continue treating your palette and book in a factory and tasting tour at Crows Nest Soft Drinks. Established in 1903 as Crows Nest Cordials, Crows Nest Soft Drinks is one of the oldest “small town” manufacturers of soft drinks and flavoured syrups.

Jimbour House, Western Downs

Day 4: Crows Nest to the Western Downs, 246km

Spend your morning daydreaming of a European escape wandering a heritage listed French chateau, embrace the country spirit of Queensland, grab a tasty pub feed, and find yourself spoiled with an abundance of camp location choices.

Morning

Jump back on the road from Crows Nest to the Western Downs Region, making a few pitstops along the way.

Grab brunch in Dalby, at Urban Paddock Cafe, housed in the historic Quambi House and offering a delicious all day menu, kids menu, tasty coffee, a playground and plenty of room for furry friends to dine outdoors.

Spend the rest of your morning envisioning yourself in a chateau in the heart of France while touring the historic heritage-listed Jimbour House, circa 1876. Book a tour and wander through history exploring the French-designed sandstone homestead residence or take a Self-Guided Garden Tour of the grounds, outbuildings and art gallery.

For a truly memorable experience, time your visit with the annual Opera at Jimbour event for a weekend of opera, chamber music, gala events and local produce set to the backdrop of Jimbour House.

Alternatively, if you’re there on mid-week, throw on a cowboy hat and embrace true spirit of the country with a visit to the Dalby Regional Saleyards. Held weekly on Wednesdays, the saleyards have been operational for over 75 years. It’s one of the nation’s most significant cattle market facilities with over 200,000 cattle sold through the yard annually.

Afternoon

No trip through the country would be complete without stopping for a classic pub feed and The Criterion Hotel is the Dalby local go-to for a bite to eat and a cold one. Head to the Bistro for lunch serving up a range of delicious pub classics and signature Criterion dishes or enjoy a casual dining experience at the Beer Garden, Bar or Back Deck for dinner.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Myall Creek at the Myall Creek Parklands - an enjoyable and pet-friendly walk following the stream. Alternatively, stretch your legs or throw down a picnic rug in Thomas Jack Park, with beautifully landscaped gardens and a lily pond featuring a tranquil waterfall, the park sets the scene for a relaxing afternoon.

The Dalby Visitor Information Centre is situated in the eastern corner of the park, so if you’re planning on extending your stay in the region it’s the perfect place to chat with locals and discover more to explore.

Overnight

Set up camp by the waterways of the Western Downs and enjoy low-cost accommodation amongst natural scenery. The Caliguel Lagoon in Condamine is a favourite location for locals and visitors to enjoy water activities while offering a peaceful overnight setting beside the lagoon with eight powered campsites available, a camp kitchen, tables, electric BBQ plates and a playground area.

Find the Lake Broadwater and Wilga Campgrounds tucked away under the shady river red and blue gums. A peaceful setting and a haven for waterbirds and native wildlife.

Tara Lagoon Parklands joins Undulla Creek in Tara and hosts a number of campsites and designated powered RV campsites. Wander or ride along the many pathways flanking the water’s edge or launch a kayak for a leisurely paddle.

Located on Dogwood Creek in Miles, Gil Wier is a peaceful and pet-friendly free camping stop with toilets, BBQs and picnic tables available for use. Alternatively, Chinchilla Wier located on the Condamine River in Chinchilla is another dog-friendly option with recently upgraded toilets, powered sites, a BBQ and picnic facilities.

Miles Historical Village, Western Downs

Day 5: Western Downs

Wake up to the smell of homebrewed coffee over the campfire, discover the mesmerising lifestyle of yesteryear, check out the phenomenal wind farms and paddle a kayak at one of the many lagoon campsite locations.

Morning

Spend the morning exploring Chinchilla Weir, cook up breakfast and brew a coffee using the BBQ and picnic facilities available and keep an eye out for the native birdlife at this top-rated bird-watching spot. The Weir is known for its curved design and is a popular freshwater playground ideal for waterskiing, canoeing, swimming and fishing (keeping in mind that a fishing permit is required).

Stroll through the streets of yesteryear at Miles Historical Village Museum. Officially opened in 1971, the historical village is known as one of Australia's leading regional museums, preserving a 'streetscape' style, as it was back in the day with more than 30 buildings housing amazing collections.

Creating visions of the past for future generations, wander through the authentic replica buildings including a coach house, blacksmith, general store, post office, bakery, union hotel, barber, chemist, café, bank, hospital and a butcher shop. The Miles Historical Village Museum is also a great pet-friendly option, welcoming furry friends to wander the streetscape too.

Follow the Miles Streetscape and Soundtrail as the main street of Miles is transformed into an inviting array of gardens and arbours to relax and enjoy the history of the town with timber totems telling the stories of early settlers. The Miles Soundtrail is a historical walking tour, with many of the stories being told by locals giving insight into the history of the buildings in town.

Afternoon

Soak in the country hospitality and grab lunch at one of the country pubs in the region.

Paying homage to Britain and Ireland, the Windsor Hotel embraces a cosy London vibe in Miles. In neighbouring Chinchilla, The Club Hotel was established in 1907 making it one of the region’s oldest pubs. Head there on a Friday night or the first Saturday of the month for live gigs, or if you’re travelling with the whole family, slip on in on a Monday for their ‘kids eat free’ special.

Take a drive along the back roads and see who can count the most wind turbines, erected on the many wind farms in the Western Downs delivering renewable energy across Queensland.

Spend the afternoon embracing the quiet moments of camp life and make the most of the free camp locations exploring more of Caliguel Lagoon, Tara Lagoon, Lake Broadwater, Gil Weir or kick back after dinner and watch the sunset over the water of Chinchilla Weir.

Overnight: Spend the night by the waterways of the Western Downs and enjoy low-cost accommodation in nature.

Option to stay longer: Spend more time exploring Chinchilla and try your luck at fossicking for petrified (fossilised) wood. Grab a fossicking licence from the Visitor Centre, a pick, shovel and bucket and dig for the rare ‘Chinchilla Red’ petrified wood dating back to the Jurassic period.

Alternatively, if you can unhitch your caravan, it’s worth a day trip to the spectacular wilderness of the Bunya Mountains. Hit the hiking trails, hand-feed the local birds, and keep an eye out for friendly wallabies while soaking in the mountain views.

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Somerset Region

Day 6: Western Downs to Somerset, 295km

Walk, bike or horse ride along Australia’s longest rail trail, peruse the local art gallery, and make friends with the local wildlife that frequent the holiday parks.

Morning

Hit the road for the final leg of your caravanning road trip and get set to explore the Somerset Region. Traverse the countryside, home to an abundance of lakes and landscapes encapsulating mountain forests and tranquil valleys just waiting to be explored.

After just under four hours on the road, you’ll want to get outside for some much-needed fresh air and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail covering 161 km. It’s currently the longest rail trail in Australia.

Walk, cycle, or ride on horseback along the 20km Ipswich to Fernvale section of the trail following the former rail corridor from Diamantina Boulevard, in the Ipswich suburb of Brassall, to the rural township of Fernvale.

Navigate the varying sections of terrain from sand to grass, gravel and rough stretches with exposed rocky ballast. The trail changes all the time, allowing you to travel along as much or little as you like.

Afternoon

After working up an appetite along the Rail Trail, head to the Esk Grand Hotel for a delicious pub feed. Treat yourself to all the traditional pub classics or check out the Chef’s Specials featuring seasonal and local ingredients.

Swap your hiking boots for your art critic hat and head to The Condensery, Somerset’s Regional Art Gallery located in Toogoolawah. Housed in what was formerly the Nestlé condensed milk factory, The Condensery is now committed to showcasing work by local and visiting artists that diversify the experiences, knowledge and capacity of visitors.

Hosting frequently changing exhibitions, arts education and public programs, the gallery is a much-loved creative and cultural hub.

Overnight:

Nestled between Lakes Wivenhoe and Somerset in the Brisbane Valley, the Esk Caravan Park and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel provides a peaceful place to spend the night welcoming all family members including the furry ones.

Take a dip in the heated pools at the Esk Caravan Park with the choice of the family pool or the tropical adults-only 'Sanctuary' providing a glimpse of Mount Glen Rock. Get up close and personal with some of the local wildlife and join the Caravan Park staff in feeding the lorikeets at 4pm each day.

Brisbane River, Somerset Region

Day 7: Somerset to Brisbane, 133km

Enjoy a morning on the water paddling along the Brisbane River or Lake Wivenhoe. It’s the perfect way to end a peaceful and relaxing holiday before heading home.

Morning

Make one last splash and switch the steering wheel for a paddle to meander along the Brisbane River Canoe Trail. The locals are friendly with cormorants, pelicans, lungfish, platypus and songbirds seen along the trail.

The peaceful 56km waterway from Wivenhoe to Kholo has many launch points allowing you to choose your own adventure and distance.

If you’ve got a little extra time up your sleeve, throw in a line at Lake Wivenhoe and try your luck at catching bass, golden perch, cod and more.

Afternoon

After a morning spent on the water jump back on the road and head home to Brisbane – taking you roughly two hours from Somerset and start planning your next adventure in Southern Queensland Country.